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PES cohesion conference to discuss solidarity in post-2020 funding

29/06/2017

The first in a series of major conferences on EU policy will take place on Monday 10 July in Brussels, hosted by the Party of European Socialists.

The conference, entitled Towards a progressive strategy for cohesion policy post-2020, will discuss the future of European regional funding beyond 2020. Headline speakers include Corina Creţu, European Commissioner for regional policy; Karl-Heinz Lambertz, first vice-president of the Committee of the Regions; and Sergei Stanishev, PES president.

The main focus of debates will be how to make EU regional cohesion policy inclusive, sustainable and efficient when the current multiannual financial framework expires in 2020. Negotiations on the next round of funding are due to start this year.

PES president Sergei Stanishev said:

"EU cohesion policy is the cornerstone of the European Union -- not only as an important way to address inequalities but also a clear sign of our solidarity and commitment to one another. The fundamental principle of solidarity must be respected across all areas of cohesion policy, including social, employment and the environment.

"In advance of the negotiations on the financial framework for 2020 and beyond, it is vital for social democrat voices, as well as the voices of the European regions, to be heard. I look forward to starting the debate on Monday."